Recoil selector mechanism for firearms



Feb. 17, 1959 Filed July 22, 1955 R. D. LAMBERT RECOIL SELECTOR MECHANISM FOR FIREARMS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 VIIIIIIIIIIA /NVEr/TOR:

RALPH nnss/21,

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. D. LAMBERT RECOIL SELECTOR MECHANISM FOR FIREARMS Feb. 17, 1959 Filed Julyv 22, 1955 pmi RE'COIL SELECTOR lVIECHANISM FOR FIREARli/ES Ralph D. Lambert, St. Louis, Mo.

. Application July 22, 1955, Serial No. 523,768

12 Claims. (Cl. 89-198) This invention relates to rearms, and in particular is concerned with a selector mechanism for regulating the ,recoil springs for semiautomatic pistols.

This improved recoil selector, mechanism provides se` lected recoil spring forces which make possible the use of cartridges having different powder charges. Thus, a light recoil spring may be used in a .22 semiautornatic pistol for .22`shorts, and a heavier spring force may be used for .22 long ries. It is to be understood that the invention, although described particularly for use with a .22

` semiautomatic pistol, can be used with other pistols and other firearms.

.By means of this invention the slide of a .22 semiautomatic-pistol has been provided with a selector mechanism which can cut in or out of operation a single recoil spring. This selector mechanism when used with the standard `recoil spring provides a means for increasing the spring load of the recoilwhen thefselector mechanism is cut in to provide a total recoil spring force suiiicient for a .22 long rie. When a .22 short with less powder charge lisutilized the selector mechanism is adjusted to the cut- `out position in which only the one standard spring is in operation. Thus, there is oEered in the selector mechanism of this invention a means for regulating the re- 'coil spring torce responsive to the high or low powder -charge of a cartridge. This enhances the recoil opera- 'tion in the semiautomatic firearm employed and greatly improves'the eiciency of operation of the lirearm.

1 Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a semiautomatic firearm having a selector mechanism for adjusting the recoil spring load.

It is a further'object of this invention to provide a f'selector mechanism for firearms adapted to receive cartridges of diierent explosive force in which the recoil Ispring force ofthe rearm can be regulated and selected, 'depending upon the explosive'force of the cartridge.

-Yet another object of this invention is to provide a selector mechanism for semiautomatic firearms to a cutout and cut-in position for an auxiliary recoil spring used -in addition to a full-time recoil spring. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a semiautomatic firearm having a plurality of recoil springs in which a selectormechanism can be adjusted to a cut- "out or cut-in position for regulating the operative eiiect Y of at least one ofthe recoil springs.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a selector mechanism forregulating the recoil course of Va semiautomatic firearm in which standard parts and components are utilized to make possible a rugged and simple operating weapon.

,Further objects of this invention will appear in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

" Reference will now be had to the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of this invention. AFor illustration the invention is shown in a .22 semiautomatic pistol, but it is to be understood that this is -for housing;

2,873,551 Vlie-.rented Feb. 17; 1959 In the drawings: Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a semiautomatic pistol;

Figure 2 is an enlarged top plan view showing the selector on the slide;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged view in elevation showing the slide in the recoil position;

Figure 4 is a view in section taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a view in section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view showing an enlarged vertical section of the slide and breech portion of the pistol;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view in section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6 showing both recoil springs in the operative position and the slide in the forward position;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing the slide in the recoil or rear position;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7l showing the slide in the forward position andrwith one spring in the cut-out position;

Figure 10 is a view lin section taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 7 showing the construction of the slide;

Figure 11 is an enlarged view in section taken on the line 11--11 of Figure 3 showing the construction of the slide and-the cartridge extractor;

Figure 12 is a view in fronty elevation showing the slide housing;

Figure 13 is a view in rear` elevation showing the slide Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of the selector switch;

,Figure 15 is a viewin side elevation of the selector switch; and Figure 16 is a bottom plan view of the selector switch.

The pistol equipped with the selector mechanism-of this invention is generally indicated at 20 in Figure 1. The pistol 20 includes as its main element a muzzle 21, a receiver 22, a reciprocal slide 23, a base 24, and a hand grip 25.

The slide 23 is best shown in Figures 3 to 6, 12 and 13. The internal structure of the slide, together with the means for positioning the recoil springs is shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the slide 23 is machinedor otherwise constructed of a single piece of material and has grooves at its bottom designated at 31 and 32. These grooves iit over tracks 34 on either side of the base of the pistol as shown in Figures 3 and 10. The underneathsde ofV the tracks 34 are bounded by grooves 35 upon which bottom lugs 36 and 37 of the slide can ride.

At the top of the slide and at the rear end is a sight 41. Two extractors 42 and 43 are situated on either side of the forward end of the slide in a longitudinal groove cut therein. Pivot pins 44 and 45 hold the front ends of these extractor pins in place in a normally biased relation toward the center of the slide through the force of springs 46 and 47 as best shown in Figure 11. Extractor prongs 48 and i9 are beveled on their interior side so that as the slide is-pushed forwardly to the position shown in Figure 1, they are spread apart against the force of the biasing spring by the interior walls of grooves 51 located on either side of the breech. Y Y

The slide 23 is further provided with a central bore 53 which has a reducedfporton 54 atits forward ends opening into an enlarged portion 55 at the front which abuts against the base of a cartridge when the slide is forward. Situated within the bore S3 is a firing pin 56 biased to the rear by -a spring 57. To the rearof the tioned in the breech.

such as a .22 short is firing pin a hammer 58 is situated inarecess y59 of the base. A magazine opening 60 is likewise provided in the base which extends down into the stock Z for the insertion of a cartridge clip withthecartridges in the usual manner.

As best shown in Figure 6, the receiver V22 is secured to the base 24 vat the front by a lug nut 61 and at the rear by a lug nut 62. The receiver 22 is provided with ashouldered opening 63 at the rear to receive a nut 64 for securing a stop block 65 thereto. A plate 66 is secured to the stop block and to the receiver 22 as shown in Figure 6 and has a tongue 67 and agroove 68 at either side so as to-receive the-grooves 31 and 32 and the lugs 36 and 37 on the slide as it reciprocates. This tongue'and groove `arrangementiforthe plate 66 is best shown in Figures 7 and 9.

The recoil spring'structure is bestshown in Figures 6 to 10. As shown in-Figures-61and 7 the slide23 is solid at its forward portion, but is hollowed out at the rear to provide -a space 70as y"shown Ain 'Figure 6. Thisdpermits the hammer 58'to operate. 'In theforward position there are Atwo bore holes 71and72, respectively, which are stopped in the front by stop nuts 73 and 74. Situated in the holes are recoil springs 75 and76 while guide plungers 77 and 78 '-keep these springsin a straight position. It will be noted `that the -springs through their guide plungers are adapted to abut at their rear-end against thestop block 65 as shown in-Figure 7 when the slide 23 is in the forward position.

In order to provide fora cutting out of operation of the spring 76 a selector switch 88 is provided. This switch provides for a cut-out of thesingle spring 76 while the other spring 75 is in operation at all times. The selector switch 80 is mounted on the top of the slide 23 as shown in Figure 2 upon a pivot pin 81 which extends down through the top of the slide as shown in Figure 6, and isiixed 4at'its |bottom to a cut-out cam 82. This selector switch, when turned to the position indicated in Figure 9, is adapted to cut out the spring -76 and keep it from striking the stop block 65. This reduces the effective recoil spring force when light cartridge loads are utilized. The selector switch is shown in fulldetail in Figures 14 through 16 and includes a spacing collar 83 between the selector cam 82 and the switch 80.

Operation First of all, the operation will be described where a heavily loaded cartridge is employed. By such operat1on,the.selector switch position will be that shown in full lines in Figure12. Thus, the cam 82 will be in the extractors 42 and 43 are spread slightly apart in the extractor grooves 51. When the pistol is tired, the natural repulsive force acts against the slide 23 and propels it to the rear and the extractors 42 and 43 are permitted to close inwardly and extract the cartridge from the breech. Then, by the usual ejection means (not shown) the cartridge is ejected. They slide 23' is repelled toward thestop block A65 as the guide'plungers 78 and 77 are positioned thereagainst `while the two recoil springs 75 and 76 cushion the shock from the exploded cartridge. The hammer 58 in the firing operation strikes against the firing pin 56 in the usual manner to explode the cartridge, and when lthe slide is propelled to the rear, the hammer is automatically recocked in the standard manner of operation for semiautomatic firearms. When the slide 23 is returned tothe forward position, a new cartridge from the cartridge clip in the'magazine (not shown) is` picked up by the front ofV the slide and posi- 'This completesV the operation. 'Where a cartridgehaving a light explosive charge, utlized, it is desirable that the recoil spring load be less than where a higher explosive charge is employed, such as by a .22 long. In such a case, the recoil spring 76 is desired to be placed in the cut-out position, so that it will not resist the rearward movement of the slide. This is effected, first of all, by manually moving the slide to the rear as shown in Figure 8, and then moving the selector switch 80 to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 2. This will present the cam 82 directly behind the guideplunger 78 'as-a stop so that the spring 76 will not abut against the slide block 65 when the slide is moved forward. This condition is shown in Figure 9 Where theslide-has been pushed forwardly and is ready for operation with a .22 short. The firing operation then is the same as above described, with the obvious exception that only the spring 75 is presented as a recoil spring, since it is the only one now in operative condition against the stop block.

Various changes and modifications-maybe made in this invention for the employment Aof thesclector-reeoil mechanism for use in various firearms. As an example, more than two recoil springs can be utilized with selective control means for all except the standard'spring. .Such changes and modifications will ber Iapparent Vto fthose skilled in the art and are intended to be withinthe scope of this invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. Ina rearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward and a rearward position onsaid firearm, said slide being adapted to vbe movedto-the rearward position by recoil force when the firearm .-is red, recoil biasing means urging said slide tothe forward position, said recoil biasing means including -a multiplicity of recoil biasing members, and selector means for varying the edective force of said recoil biasing means by separately disengaging apart offsaid recoil biasing members.

2. In a firearm of the type described, a reciprocalslide movable to a forward and a rearward positionon said firearm, said slide being adapted to be moved to the rearward position by recoil force when the firearm is tired, recoil biasing means urging said slide to the forward position, said recoil biasing means including a multiplicity of recoil biasing member, and selector means'for varying the effective force of said recoil biasing means by separately disengaging a part of said recoil biasing members, said selector means including a manually operable lever on the outside of the firearm.

3. In a firearm of the type described,.a reciprocal slide movable to a forward and a rearward positionon said firearm, said slide being adaptedfto be moved to the rearward position by recoil force when the'iirearm is tired, recoil spring biasing means urging'said slide to the forward position, said recoil biasing means including a multiplicity of recoil biasing members, and selector means cooperating with said spring biasing means and adapted to render inoperative at least apart of said spring biasing means by separately disengaging a part of said recoil biasing members.

4. En ai rearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward and a rearward position on saidv rearm, said slide being-adapted to be movedfto the rearward position by recoill force when the` rearm is tired, recoil spring biasing means urgingA said slide to ,the forward position, said recoil biasing means including ,a multiplicity of recoil biasing members, and selectormeans manually movable between a rst and second position, said selector means cooperating .with said spring biasing means and adapted to cut in all ofthe spring biasing means in the rst position when a cartridge-having -a high explosive charge is utilized, and to cut out a -part of said spring biasing means inthe second position when a cartridge of low explosive chargeis employed Vby separately disengaging a part of saidV recoil biasing members.

5. In a rearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward anda rearwardposition on said rearm, said. slide being adapted to be moved to the rearward position by recoil force when the rearm is fired, recoil spring biasing means urging said slide to the forward position, said recoil biasing means including a multiplicity of recoil biasing members and selector means manually movable between a first` and second position, said selector means cooperating with said spring biasing means and `adapted to cut in all of the spring biasing means in the first position when a cartridge having a high explosive charge is utilized,l and to cut out a partA of said spring biasing means in the second position when a cartridge of low explosive charge is employed by separately disengaging a part of said recoil biasing members, said selector means including a manually operable lever on the outside of the rearm.

6. In a firearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the iirearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the firearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is fired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, said recoil biasing means including a multiplicity of recoil biasing members, selector means manually movable between a first and second position for controlling the eifective force of said recoil spring biasing means by separately disengaging a part of said recoil biasing members, Said selector means adapted to actuate a high recoil spring force in the rst position when a cartridge having a high explosive charge is utilized vand a low recoil spring force in the second position when a cartridge having a low explosive charge is employed.

7. In a rearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the firearm in a closed position :and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the irearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is fired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, said recoil biasing means including a multiplicity of recoil biasing members, selector means manually movable between a iirst and second position for controlling the elective force of said recoil spring biasing means by separately disengaging a part of said recoil biasing members, said selector means adapted to actuate a high recoil spring force in the first position when a cartridge having a high explosive charge is utilized and a low recoil spring force in the second position when a cartridge having a low explosive charge is employed, said selector means including a manually operable lever on the out- -side of the rearm.

8. In a firearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the iirearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the firearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is fired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, selector means for controlling the effective force of said recoil spring biasing means, said spring biasing means including at least two compression springs mounted in said slide adapted to have one end abut against said stop, and said selector means adapted to remove at least one of said compression springs from its abutting relation against the stop means for rendering the biasing force therefrom ineffective.

9. In a firearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the firearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stopv on the firearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is tired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the of said recoil spring biasing means,` said spring biasing means including at least two compression springs mounted in said slide adapted to have one end abut against said stop, and said selector means adapted to remove at least one'of said compression springs from its abutting relation against the stop means for rendering the biasing force therefrom ineifective, said selector means including a manually operable lever mounted on the outside of said slide.

10. In a rearm of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the iirearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the firearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is tired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, selector means manually movable between a first and second position for controlling the effective force of said recoil spring biasing means, said spring biasing means including at least two compression springs mounted in said slide adapted to have one end abut against said stop, and said selector means adapted to actuate a high recoil spring force in the rst position when :a cartridge having a high explosive charge is utilized, and a low recoil spring force in the second position when a cartridge having a low explosive charge is employed, said selector means adapted to remove at least one of said compression springs from its abutting relation against the stop means for rendering the biasing force therefrom ineffective, said selector means including a manually operable lever mounted on the outside of said slide.

l1. In a rearrn of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the rearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the lirearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is tired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, selector means manually movable between a first and second position for controlling the effective force of said recoil spring biasing means, said spring biasing means including at least two compression springs mounted 1n said slide adapted to have one end abut against said stop, and said selector means adapted to actuate a high recoil spring force in the irst position when a cartridge having a high explosive charge is utilized, and a low recoil spring force in the second position when a cartridge having a low explosive charge is employed, said selector means adapted to remove at least one of said compression springs from its abutting relation against the stop means for rendering the biasing force therefrom ineffective, said selector means including a manually operable lever mounted on the outside of said slide, said lever 1ncluding a cam on the interior of said slide which is adapted to act as an abutment for the end of the compression spring which is to be rendered ineffective and to keepr said end abutting against said stationary stop on the rearm.

12. In a rearrn of the type described, a reciprocal slide movable to a forward position against the breech of the firearm in a closed position and movable rearwardly against a stationary stop on the firearm in an open position, said slide being adapted to be moved rearwardly by recoil force when the weapon is fired, recoil spring biasing means resisting said rearward movement of the slide, selector means manually movable between a lirst and second position for controlling the effective force of said recoil spring biasing means, said spring biasing means including at least two compression springs mounted in said slide adapted to have one end abut against said stop, and said selector means adapted to actuate a high recoil spring force in the first position when a cartridge A having a high explosive charge is utilized, and a low recoil spring force in the second position when a cartridge slide, selector means for controlling the effective force having a low explosive charge is employed, said selector 7 `means adapted to :remove at least one of said compression Ysprings Efrom its abutting Yrelation `against gthestop means for rendering the biasing force therefrom ineffective, said selector means including a manually operable lever'mounted on the outside of said slide, said lever including a cam on the interior of said slidefwhieh is adapted to act as an abutment for the end of -the compression spring which is'to be rendered ineffective and to keep said ,end abutting against said stationary stop Von the firearm, said cam being adapted to be moved yby said 10 slide to the rear of said stop when'the slide is moved to S the -rearfor YdisengagimgA the end-of Vthe compressionspring to be' rendered ineffective-from the -stop when said slide is againnio'ved forwardly.

'References Cited in the le of this patent ,UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,301,248 Browning Nov. l0, 1942 `FOREIGN PATENTS 736,753 Australia n. Dec. 2, 1954 

